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Birdwell, Texas Mysteries #1
Digging Up Bones
From acclaimed author Aimee Gilchrist comes a brand new series set in the most unlikely of places...
Helen Harding is a genius at picking losers. Her exes run the gamut from merely lazy to legitimately criminal, making all the stops in between. After her fourth, and absolutely final, fiancé is carted off to prison for making time with the underage honeys, Helen is mortified and desperate to get out of town. The perfect solution seems to be a last minute call to arms from her aunt Penny, a beer swigging chain smoker from backwoods Texas who has three-inch press-on nails, a love of men from truck stops, and a life or death problem...that, unfortunately, ends in death before Helen even has a chance to arrive.
Helen believes in atonement—or maybe it's revenge. Either way, she owes it to Penny to find out who ended her life in violence. Much to the annoyance of the local volunteer sheriff, Aodhagan MacFarley—who Helen is most definitely not getting involved with no matter how hot he may look in his fitted suit and polished wingtips. With or without his help, Helen vows to tracks a trail of suspects who may have more than one foul deed to account for. As the days drag on, the nights heat up, and the danger grows closer, if Helen isn't careful, she may just end up six feet under and the latest casualty of Birdwell, Texas!
What critics are saying about Aimee's
"Great characters and witty dialogue. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. I look forward to reading more."
—A Cozy Booknook
"An awesome, fun and funny read. Highly recommended for mystery readers, cozy readers...chick-lit, humor. Highly recommended!"
—Bear Mountain Books
"Clever, witty, and heartfelt! I was with Helen every step of the way, and I wish I could visit Birdwell, Texas myself. You know, without the dead bodies and stuff."
—Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling author
Helen Harding is a genius at picking losers. Her exes run the gamut from merely lazy to legitimately criminal, making all the stops in between. After her fourth, and absolutely final, fiancé is carted off to prison for making time with the underage honeys, Helen is mortified and desperate to get out of town. The perfect solution seems to be a last minute call to arms from her aunt Penny, a beer swigging chain smoker from backwoods Texas who has three-inch press-on nails, a love of men from truck stops, and a life or death problem...that, unfortunately, ends in death before Helen even has a chance to arrive.
Helen believes in atonement—or maybe it's revenge. Either way, she owes it to Penny to find out who ended her life in violence. Much to the annoyance of the local volunteer sheriff, Aodhagan MacFarley—who Helen is most definitely not getting involved with no matter how hot he may look in his fitted suit and polished wingtips. With or without his help, Helen vows to tracks a trail of suspects who may have more than one foul deed to account for. As the days drag on, the nights heat up, and the danger grows closer, if Helen isn't careful, she may just end up six feet under and the latest casualty of Birdwell, Texas!
What critics are saying about Aimee's
"Great characters and witty dialogue. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. I look forward to reading more."
—A Cozy Booknook
"An awesome, fun and funny read. Highly recommended for mystery readers, cozy readers...chick-lit, humor. Highly recommended!"
—Bear Mountain Books
"Clever, witty, and heartfelt! I was with Helen every step of the way, and I wish I could visit Birdwell, Texas myself. You know, without the dead bodies and stuff."
—Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling author
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2016
110 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 4, 2016
Didn't buy it. Mystery was stupid. Didn't buy how it was set up and how it was revealed. Didn't buy the chemistry between Helen and Aodhagan. Never really revealed Garth or how everything that happened correlated with the murders. Didn't like Helen. Her self deprecation was just dull. Her obsessing over Aodhagan was stupid. Aodhagan taking off to another state t attend college at 10? No. Just no. Didn't buy any of this.
April 23, 2023
Helen Harding gets a letter from her Aunt Penny asking for her help, but she isn’t sure what she wants help with. After a bit of telephone tag, Helen just heads down to Birdwell Texas to see what her aunt wants. Since Helen writes true crime books she suspects it has to with an crime? But when she gets there her aunts house is empty and has been tossed so she calls what passes for law enforcement in town, the volunteer mayor, and he finds Penny dead in a shed on the property and she had been strangled. So begins the saga of Bridwell Texas and a decades old murder. A little slow in places but wraps the mystery nicely but leaves the characters not quite resolved. We’ll see what the second in the series has to say.
February 29, 2016
I have a deep rooted love for the titles put out by Gemma Halliday's publishing company...there is so much catnip for me in almost every book! This book takes place in a small, podunk Texas town...quite similar to the one I grew up in. Naturally, I was totally on board for this story. Helen Harding is a true crime author from New York who finds herself in Birdwell TX at the request of her favorite eccentric aunt. When Helen arrives, she finds that her aunt had been murdered and it appears as if she was trying to leave a message for Helen. Naturally, there is always a potential love interest in these books and that honor goes to Aodhagan MacFarley, the local town do-gooder who seems to have a hand in every part of this tiny town. Will Helen be able to solve her aunt's murder while also resisting Aodhagan's increasing charm and appeal?
This book was predictable, but very charming. I loved Helen and Aodhagan's interactions. Both of these characters are flawed and have pasts that they aren't too fond of and they spend a lot of the non-mystery portions of the book dealing with their feelings and past demons...but in a totally non-angsty way. The author left it open for a second book, and I would definitely be interested in reading more about Birdwell!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was predictable, but very charming. I loved Helen and Aodhagan's interactions. Both of these characters are flawed and have pasts that they aren't too fond of and they spend a lot of the non-mystery portions of the book dealing with their feelings and past demons...but in a totally non-angsty way. The author left it open for a second book, and I would definitely be interested in reading more about Birdwell!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2016
Birdwell Murder
This is the first book in the series and I found that it was so good I can't wait for the next book. I love the character of Aodhagan (pronounced Aid agin) MacFarley. He is a man of many hats in this small town of Birdwell.....from volunteer sheriff to mayor. On the other hand, Helen Harding is uncaring of most things. She is only in Birdwell to say hi and bye to her aunt. Too bad she doesn't get her wish.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. However, I also purchased a copy of the book.
This is the first book in the series and I found that it was so good I can't wait for the next book. I love the character of Aodhagan (pronounced Aid agin) MacFarley. He is a man of many hats in this small town of Birdwell.....from volunteer sheriff to mayor. On the other hand, Helen Harding is uncaring of most things. She is only in Birdwell to say hi and bye to her aunt. Too bad she doesn't get her wish.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. However, I also purchased a copy of the book.
August 21, 2016
Awesome book great plot
Had a great story line and kept you on the edge I'd your seat. Wish there was a sequel with them getting together.
Had a great story line and kept you on the edge I'd your seat. Wish there was a sequel with them getting together.
May 19, 2023
Author Helen Harding gets a last-minute call to arms from her aunt Penny, a beer-swigging chain smoker from backwoods Texas who has three-inch press-on nails, a love of men from truck stops, and a life-or-death problem...that, unfortunately, ends in death before Helen even has a chance to arrive.
As a youngster, Helen spent precious time with her aunt during the girl’s troubled childhood. Much to the annoyance of the smokin’ hot local volunteer sheriff, Aodhagan Mac Farley, Helen believes she owes it to Penny to find out who ended her life in violence. With or without his help, Helen vows to track a trail of suspects who may have more than one foul deed to account for.
Digging up Bones is a cleverly-written tale that pits a big city woman against a cast of suspects in a small town in rural Texas. This first book in a new series by author Aimee Gilchrist is a mystery with a plot woven together by strands of a reluctant romance, atonement for past sins, with a dollop of revenge that moves at a comfortable pace. Gilchrist managed to avoid the stereotypes that often plague citizens of a small Texas town with her cast of imperfect, but believable characters. Nonetheless, they display misplaced loyalty in their efforts to keep long-buried secrets from being revealed to an outsider like Helen.
Gilchrist tosses around enough red herrings to keep readers guessing as to whodunit. Digging up Bones is a well-written mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories that peel back the layers of small-town society and characters with the courage to face their demons rather than look away.
As a youngster, Helen spent precious time with her aunt during the girl’s troubled childhood. Much to the annoyance of the smokin’ hot local volunteer sheriff, Aodhagan Mac Farley, Helen believes she owes it to Penny to find out who ended her life in violence. With or without his help, Helen vows to track a trail of suspects who may have more than one foul deed to account for.
Digging up Bones is a cleverly-written tale that pits a big city woman against a cast of suspects in a small town in rural Texas. This first book in a new series by author Aimee Gilchrist is a mystery with a plot woven together by strands of a reluctant romance, atonement for past sins, with a dollop of revenge that moves at a comfortable pace. Gilchrist managed to avoid the stereotypes that often plague citizens of a small Texas town with her cast of imperfect, but believable characters. Nonetheless, they display misplaced loyalty in their efforts to keep long-buried secrets from being revealed to an outsider like Helen.
Gilchrist tosses around enough red herrings to keep readers guessing as to whodunit. Digging up Bones is a well-written mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories that peel back the layers of small-town society and characters with the courage to face their demons rather than look away.
April 20, 2023
free ebook
cute series, i would read more
she went to a tiny town in tx after getting a letter from her cousin aka aunt to come . they had not seen each other for year but she needed to get out of town after breaking up with her cheating boyfriend
when she gets there , her aunt is not there. just a mad cat, a mess and the messages she left on her aunts answering machine
the town is so small when she called 911 it was the hairdresser that answered. she got the volunteer sheriff to come out and he found her aunts strangled body in the shed
she had to tell the sheriff who came from another town that she wrote true crime books for a living , but those crimes were all over 100 yrs old
they made her stay with the sheriff (who didnt have a gun) while they figured out who killed her aunt. but shes the one who figured it out, but not before they got in a bad car accident (twice) getting hurt trying to get away (it was the televangelist)
she was leaving , then decided to go back and fix up her aunts house, sell it and use the money along with what her aunt left her to make more business and teach the townspeople business so the town would prosper
the sheriff liked her and she liked him, but she was done dating after so many bad experiences.
hope they end up dating in the next book!
cute series, i would read more
she went to a tiny town in tx after getting a letter from her cousin aka aunt to come . they had not seen each other for year but she needed to get out of town after breaking up with her cheating boyfriend
when she gets there , her aunt is not there. just a mad cat, a mess and the messages she left on her aunts answering machine
the town is so small when she called 911 it was the hairdresser that answered. she got the volunteer sheriff to come out and he found her aunts strangled body in the shed
she had to tell the sheriff who came from another town that she wrote true crime books for a living , but those crimes were all over 100 yrs old
they made her stay with the sheriff (who didnt have a gun) while they figured out who killed her aunt. but shes the one who figured it out, but not before they got in a bad car accident (twice) getting hurt trying to get away (it was the televangelist)
she was leaving , then decided to go back and fix up her aunts house, sell it and use the money along with what her aunt left her to make more business and teach the townspeople business so the town would prosper
the sheriff liked her and she liked him, but she was done dating after so many bad experiences.
hope they end up dating in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2022
Helen comes to small town Birdwell at the request of her "aunt", but finds her dead.
What I enjoyed:
* I really liked the ending when
* Aodhagan was a very interesting character. Although I don't think it is healthy to live a life you seem to hate just because you think you owe it to people.
What could have been better:
* Helen isn't very relatable. She is rude to people, has taken up smoking and seems to be drifting in life
* I really don't understand why Penny
What I enjoyed:
* I really liked the ending when
* Aodhagan was a very interesting character. Although I don't think it is healthy to live a life you seem to hate just because you think you owe it to people.
What could have been better:
* Helen isn't very relatable. She is rude to people, has taken up smoking and seems to be drifting in life
* I really don't understand why Penny
April 3, 2023
A mysterious letter from Aunt Penny sends Helen Harding to Birdwell, Texas, hoping to assist her elderly relative with an unspecified project. Before the two can reunite, Penny goes missing and Helen is left alone in a small town she doesn't like with people who don't like her.
Never before have I enjoyed a book so much that contains an unlikeable main character. Helen is a judgemental snob who loves to wave her expensive brand-name products around to show her superiority. Even when Helen has an epiphany, she's still well, meh. Despite this, the plot was one of those that grabs you and doesn't let go and the humour was hilarious and not forced.
Never before have I enjoyed a book so much that contains an unlikeable main character. Helen is a judgemental snob who loves to wave her expensive brand-name products around to show her superiority. Even when Helen has an epiphany, she's still well, meh. Despite this, the plot was one of those that grabs you and doesn't let go and the humour was hilarious and not forced.
April 5, 2023
Aodhagen was a small town policeman in Birdwell,Texas. Helen lived in New York but she had a Aunt Penny who lived there in Texas. She received a message from her that she needed to see her ASAP.They were really close when she was younger. So Helen went there right away. When she got to the run down beat up old house she couldnt believe it. But Penny wasnt there she looked all over the house for her. So she called the cops. Well they found her, Next thing Helen was named as a suspect in Pennys death.
September 26, 2019
Quirkinesses Run Rampant
Helen Harding gets a letter free her Aunt Penny asking for help. After her latest poor choice in boyfriends she heads out to Birdwell, Texas. When she gets to Penny’s house she can’t find her so she calls for the sheriff. Volunteer sheriff Aodhagan McFarley finds Penny’s body in the shed behind her house. Now they much find the killer and solve an old murder. Fun quirky characters and storyline. Recommend.
Helen Harding gets a letter free her Aunt Penny asking for help. After her latest poor choice in boyfriends she heads out to Birdwell, Texas. When she gets to Penny’s house she can’t find her so she calls for the sheriff. Volunteer sheriff Aodhagan McFarley finds Penny’s body in the shed behind her house. Now they much find the killer and solve an old murder. Fun quirky characters and storyline. Recommend.
March 31, 2023
This mystery is well written with an interesting storyline. The main character is from NYC and her take on small town Texas and the inhabitants is not flattering but her prejudice is understandable as it is stereotypical of New Yorkers (see what I did there?). I found myself rooting for this imperfect 30-year-old and thoroughly enjoying this mystery. I was happy to learn that there is another book featuring the accidental sleuth (and hopefully some of the other characters from this story, too). Highly recommended!
April 21, 2023
Digging Up Bones was a Read I Dug
Having lived my 70+ years in Texas, I can’t say this was Texas. But it was an enjoyable read. The characters were okay, but didn’t make me think Texas. Neither the setting nor the plot made me think Texas. But it was a fun read, and I’ll read the next in the series.
Having lived my 70+ years in Texas, I can’t say this was Texas. But it was an enjoyable read. The characters were okay, but didn’t make me think Texas. Neither the setting nor the plot made me think Texas. But it was a fun read, and I’ll read the next in the series.
June 21, 2017
This one is a real groaner! The storyline is straight out of the Mel Brooks guide to Texas, and the characters certainly are. The publisher's blurb gives hints and clues but can't begin to prepare you for all the laughs! A totally enjoyable lighthearted read.
August 25, 2020
Excellent mystery.. Ms Gilchrist has an amazing gift... You immediately are in for the ride. Her wording & characters are clearly defined. This was a ride well WELL worth taking. I only hope she adds to this series... Quicky!
March 18, 2023
Mystery ,Murder & Finding Yourself
The story was so intriguing,kept me interested and wanting to keep turning the pages. Loved how you described all the characters and all the clues. Can't wait to see how Birdwell Tx , changes and grows.Loved this story.
The story was so intriguing,kept me interested and wanting to keep turning the pages. Loved how you described all the characters and all the clues. Can't wait to see how Birdwell Tx , changes and grows.Loved this story.
March 29, 2023
Helen Harding is a succesful author from New York who is unsuccesful in romance goes to see her Aunt in Birdwell, Tx. Along with the culture shock she discovers her aunt has been murdered. The local mayor, volunteer sheriff and local good man helps her investigate. Great reading with many twists.
April 1, 2023
I did enjoy this and liked that the sense of humour wasn’t too silly (i did start to think it might be at the beginning).I would have given another star had we not been left hanging about the identity of “Garth”.
April 10, 2023
This wasn't epic but it was entertaining. I found it easy to read. It interested me because it is set in Texas. But got a little tired of it putting Texas down. Other than that It was okay. I am reading the sequel to keep things going.
September 15, 2020
Great book
Really enjoyed reading this first book in a new series. The characters are well written and fun. I loved the small town Texas setting. I look forward to reading more.
Really enjoyed reading this first book in a new series. The characters are well written and fun. I loved the small town Texas setting. I look forward to reading more.
April 6, 2021
I actually loved this. Didn't think I would, but the characters were more than engaging, and I can't wait to spend a little more time with them.
August 29, 2022
I love Helen. So sharp and prickly (starting to realise a lot of my favourite characters are).
Want to read
March 10, 2023complimentary, Gemma Halliday Publishing
March 17, 2023
Crazy
This author has a way with words and spins a great tale that keeps you on edge of set. I was never able to figure the next step she took the story in. Well done!
This author has a way with words and spins a great tale that keeps you on edge of set. I was never able to figure the next step she took the story in. Well done!
March 28, 2023
A Fun and Suspenseful Read
This book captured my interest and was hard to put down. I had to read a chapter or more every day.
This book captured my interest and was hard to put down. I had to read a chapter or more every day.
July 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Laugh out loud
funny
funny
March 1, 2016
Digging Up Bones was a huge surprise to me! When I first read the information about the book, I had no idea that Helen was such an eccentric. The story is so much more than Helen picking losers and running away from her troubles. The story is about a woman who wants to go back in time and be with the only person who genuinely loved her-Aunt Penny. Now perhaps Helen isn't the most well-adjusted person in the world, but I found her blunt honesty refreshing and I respected her determination. When she gets to Birdwell, Texas, population 562, she discovers her aunt's house has the door standing open and has been ransacked. 911 call results in the volunteer sheriff (with an unpronounceable first name of Aodhagan) coming to her assistance. Good thing he does, because he finds the freshly murdered body of Aunt Penny. Being forced to stay in Birdwell until the real sheriff can solve the crime, Helen ends up staying with Aodhagan since there are no hotels in town. Over the next few days Helen and Aodhagan team up trying to solve Penny's murder as well as the murder of a girl who was friendly with Penny and her friends in high school 47 years ago.
The complex details make for a great murder book, and when it was over I was ready for book 2! Unfortunately there is no book 2 at this time. Ms Gilchrist has written a fantastic debut book and what I hope is just the beginning of a series. I highly recommend this book to any mystery fans. The attention to details and fast pacing were especially satisfying. Do yourself a favor and read this mystery!
The complex details make for a great murder book, and when it was over I was ready for book 2! Unfortunately there is no book 2 at this time. Ms Gilchrist has written a fantastic debut book and what I hope is just the beginning of a series. I highly recommend this book to any mystery fans. The attention to details and fast pacing were especially satisfying. Do yourself a favor and read this mystery!
April 6, 2016
Impressive
I've read so many books that I am now not easily impressed, but impressive is the first word that came to mind. The storyline is like many others, yet different. The characters are like many other characters, yet different.
A better way to describe it is the fact that the book did seem to drag out some, yet I never felt the urge to skip forward. Aimee Gilchrist made the storyline and characters interesting enough that it made it hard to put the book down. Take the main character Helen, she is flawed from the beginning to the end and she makes no excuses. Even her subtle change came to over time and it was unwilling and unwelcomed by her.
The flaws in her love interest and even in the small town have the story line more substance. You can't help for root for them, flaws and all.
The mystery aspect of the story is interesting also. Aimee Gilchrist linked the current day mystery with a past mystery and both were interesting enough on their own, but together they complimented each other.
I've read so many books that I am now not easily impressed, but impressive is the first word that came to mind. The storyline is like many others, yet different. The characters are like many other characters, yet different.
A better way to describe it is the fact that the book did seem to drag out some, yet I never felt the urge to skip forward. Aimee Gilchrist made the storyline and characters interesting enough that it made it hard to put the book down. Take the main character Helen, she is flawed from the beginning to the end and she makes no excuses. Even her subtle change came to over time and it was unwilling and unwelcomed by her.
The flaws in her love interest and even in the small town have the story line more substance. You can't help for root for them, flaws and all.
The mystery aspect of the story is interesting also. Aimee Gilchrist linked the current day mystery with a past mystery and both were interesting enough on their own, but together they complimented each other.
March 1, 2016
Helen Harding travels to Birdwell, Tx at her Aunt Penny's request. Helen writes true crime books about crimes that have occurred 100 years ago. When she arrives, she decides there is nothing she likes about Birdwell, Tx. Helen locates her Aunt's house and no one appears to be home. The house looks like it has been searched by someone looking for an unknow object. She calls the police. When Birdwell's volunteer police, Aodhagan MacFarley arrives , they discover Penny's body in the shed. It looks like she has been strangled. Aodhagen calls in the real law enforcement of Tallatohola Co., Sheriff Dooley. Helen is told she cannot leave until she cleared in Helen's murder.
Aimee Gilchrist has written a fast-paced mystery with plenty of twists and lots of humor. Both Helen and Aodhagen are people hiding behind a mask. Their secrets are revealed expertly throughout the story. This book offers plenty of entertainment and enjoyment!
Aimee Gilchrist has written a fast-paced mystery with plenty of twists and lots of humor. Both Helen and Aodhagen are people hiding behind a mask. Their secrets are revealed expertly throughout the story. This book offers plenty of entertainment and enjoyment!
Read
March 2, 2016It was a good mystery it kept me guessing until the end. When the reveal was coming I got really excited and couldn't wait to find out all the answers.
I like Helen. She's sarcastic and self deprecating and she has a good sense of humor.
I couldn't help but laugh at all the countryisms and the gas station named gas made me laugh out loud.
Aodhagen, could the author have picked a harder name to figure out? I read it multiple times I heard Helens sort of pronunciation of it, then I looked it up online and honestly I'm still not sure I'm pronouncing it right lol
I enjoyed this mystery immensely and can’t wait to see what new troubles Helen can get into in Texas.
I like Helen. She's sarcastic and self deprecating and she has a good sense of humor.
I couldn't help but laugh at all the countryisms and the gas station named gas made me laugh out loud.
Aodhagen, could the author have picked a harder name to figure out? I read it multiple times I heard Helens sort of pronunciation of it, then I looked it up online and honestly I'm still not sure I'm pronouncing it right lol
I enjoyed this mystery immensely and can’t wait to see what new troubles Helen can get into in Texas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews